Bryce Harper exits game with jammed thumb after diving into third (UPDATED)

UPDATED, 12:45 a.m.: Bryce Harper exited Friday’s game against the Padres after four innings with a jammed left thumb. Harper hit a triple with the bases loaded in the third inning. He dived headfirst into third base, his left thumb hitting the bag. Harper and Manager Matt Williams both said they were unsure how much rest the outfielder’s thumb would need.

Harper would be evaluated on Saturday morning. Results of Friday’s X-ray on the thumb were negative, Williams said.

Harper beat the throw to third, popped up on one leg and grabbed his left hand. Standing at the base, he grabbed his hand again, grimaced and took off his batting glove. He stayed in the game and completed the inning.

“I knew I caught it a bit,” Harper said afterward. “Went into the dugout, swung a couple in the cage. Felt fine. Hit some homers off [batting practice pitcher] Ali [Modami] in the cage. 6-0 ballgame, swelled up a little bit. Went out there to the outfield, swelled up a bit. I thought we were in a good spot and Matt [Williams] did, too. Got in, got some treatment on it.”

Harper took his spot in left field in the fourth inning but left the game at the top of the following inning. Nate McLouth took left field instead of Harper in the fifth inning.

“He could’ve continued to play [Friday] tonight, I think, but we thought it best to get on it right away,” Williams said. “… I haven’t looked at [the thumb] yet, but it just kind of twisted on him. But all indications are he’s okay right now.”

Harper was in the midst of a career night. He entered the game with five RBI in his previous 21 games. Through three innings on Friday, he had a career-high four RBI.